Zimbabwe to acquire cancer treatment machines

The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cancer diagnosis and treatment services in Zimbabwe, pledging to acquire a full range of specialised equipment for major referral hospitals using proceeds from the Sugar Content Tax.

Speaking during a tour of the Radiotherapy Centre at Mpilo Central Hospital, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube said the Second Republic was determined to ensure that Zimbabweans could access comprehensive cancer treatment services within the country.

The latest commitment follows the delivery of new cancer treatment equipment to Mpilo Central Hospital and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals last week, with installation of the first batch of machines already underway.

"We want to provide you with the entire value chain and ecosystem for treating cancer patients. We really want to make sure you are up to date with the latest equipment. The Second Republic is very serious about upgrading the quality of health services to the greater population of Zimbabwe," Prof Ncube said.

He encouraged hospital authorities to submit requests for additional equipment while ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place to accommodate the new technology.

According to the minister, Government intends to continue purchasing advanced cancer treatment machinery using revenue generated through the Sugar Content Tax imposed on beverages.

"We will keep going because the Sugar Content Tax in beverages is being paid all the time and we will keep acquiring additional machines," he said.

Prof Ncube revealed that discussions were already underway regarding equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate and cervical cancers, among the most common cancers affecting Zimbabweans.

"First of all, they have to construct an area for those, then we will purchase the machines and put in the order as soon as possible so that those cancers can also be taken care of," he said.

Government's long-term goal, he added, is to establish a comprehensive cancer treatment system capable of managing all major forms of the disease.

"It will be wonderful to have the entire array of equipment, machinery and technology to deal with all manner of cancers that we see, so that we can offer comprehensive radiotherapy services at key hospitals like Mpilo and Parirenyatwa," said Prof Ncube.

During the tour, the minister inspected ongoing installation works at Mpilo, where a low-energy linear accelerator designed to treat cancers located near the skin has already been installed and is expected to become operational by the end of June.

Preparatory work is also underway for the installation of higher-energy radiotherapy machines that recently arrived in the country.

"This means that we will significantly improve the quality of radiotherapy services, not only for Bulawayo, but for the Matabeleland provinces, Midlands and the rest of the country because this is a referral hospital," he said.

The cancer equipment acquisition programme is valued at approximately US$30 million and is being financed through proceeds from the Sugar Content Tax, which Government introduced both to discourage excessive sugar consumption and to generate funding for healthcare infrastructure.

Prof Ncube described the programme as a strategic investment in national development rather than a simple expenditure.

"It is an investment. When you invest in a healthy population, you are investing in growth. Clearly it is an investment and it is aligned with our National Development Strategy 2," he said.

The minister also highlighted the broader economic impact of ongoing renovations at Mpilo under the Presidential Hospitals Rehabilitation Programme, noting that construction activities were creating employment opportunities, particularly for young people.

"I was very impressed to see young people at the construction site. We need more youth to be employed," he said.

Prof Ncube expressed satisfaction with progress made in refurbishing the hospital's infrastructure, particularly the ongoing renovation of C Block.

"The renovations have completely repurposed all the rooms and they will move from block to block. This C Block will be completed in the next two months and it will be ready no later than August. It will change the face of Mpilo Hospital," he said.

The minister also toured the hospital's solar power installation, which was developed through a partnership between Government and the United Nations Development Programme.

He stressed the importance of reliable electricity supplies for hospitals operating specialised medical equipment and providing critical healthcare services.

"We must make sure there is reliable power because we cannot have machines going down in a hospital that should constantly provide services," he said.

Government officials indicated that equipment being replaced at Mpilo and Parirenyatwa would be redeployed to other health institutions around the country, helping expand Zimbabwe's overall capacity to diagnose and treat cancer.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to modernise the country's healthcare system and improve access to specialised medical services for patients across Zimbabwe.